Are you ready for some jaw-dropping cricketing feats?
ODI cricket, the classic format where each team plays 50 overs, usually wraps up in a single day. Most ODIs take place within exciting bilateral series, where two teams face off, either at one team’s home ground or a neutral venue. Typically, these series feature three matches, though sometimes more are played. In this article, we’ll spotlight the bowlers who have excelled, taking the most wickets in a three-match ODI series. Get ready to discover some stellar performances!
Liam Plunkett was one of the most skilled bowlers for the English national team, known not only for his wicket-taking ability but also for his economical bowling. During the 2016-17 series between the West Indies and England, he played three matches and took an impressive ten wickets. Over 24.1 overs, he conceded just 99 runs, with his best bowling performance being 4/40.
Arshdeep Singh is a young and promising bowler from the Indian team, primarily known for his standout performances in the IPL. In the 2023-24 series between India and South Africa, he displayed his talent by playing three matches and taking ten wickets. Over the course of 27 overs, he conceded just 95 runs, with his best bowling performance being an impressive 5/37.
Imran Tahir is widely regarded as one of the best leg-spinners of all time, with his flawlessly executed googly being his biggest weapon. In the 2018-19 series between South Africa and Zimbabwe, he demonstrated his skill by playing three matches and taking ten wickets. He bowled 21 overs, conceding just 91 runs. His standout performance was an incredible 6/24.
Rashid Khan is highly esteemed as one of the top leg spinners globally and is celebrated as one of Afghanistan's cricketing greats. During the 2016-17 series against the West Indies, he displayed his exceptional talent, participating in three matches and securing ten wickets. Throughout the series, he bowled 18.4 overs and conceded just 44 runs. His standout moment was delivering an impressive performance of 7 wickets for 18 runs in a single match.
Lockie Ferguson, known for his lightning-fast bowling, represents New Zealand with his exceptional skills in both international and domestic cricket. During the 2018-19 series, he showed his talent by taking 11 wickets across three matches. Throughout the series, Ferguson bowled 29.2 overs and conceded a total of 141 runs. His performances highlighted his ability to make significant contributions to his team with his pace and precision on the field.
Adam Zampa, known for his spin wizardry, spun a web of success in the 2022–23 series against England. Across three thrilling matches, he snatched an impressive 11 wickets. Zampa's bowling mastery was on full display as he bowled 25.3 overs, conceding 131 runs while achieving his best bowling figures of 4/31 in a standout performance. His skillful contributions highlight why he's a revered figure in both global and local cricket arenas.
Mitchell Starc, recognised as one of the most formidable bowlers of his generation, demonstrated his skill in the 2021-22 series against the West Indies. Throughout the series, Starc successfully secured 11 wickets, bowling a total of 27.1 overs and conceding 117 runs. His standout performance included an exceptional bowling figure of 5/48, highlighting his proficiency and impact on the cricket field.
In addition to the previously mentioned bowlers, Mashrafe Mortaza impressed in the 2006–07 series against Kenya, taking 12 wickets in three matches with an average of 8.67. Meanwhile, Mustafizur Rahman stood out in the 2014-15 series versus India, claiming 13 wickets across three matches, highlighted by a best of 6/43.
